Publishers and trade groups announce launch of David Lyle Foundation

The David Lyle Foundation, a non-profit organisation with the aim of helping young people develop careers in the entertainment business, has launched in memory of the television industry veteran.

The Australian TV executive passed away at the age of 67 in September of 2017. During his early years in the industry, Lyle (pictured) worked for the ABC, Channel 10 and later the Nine Network.

Lyle later moved from Australia to Pearson Television in the UK to be head of worldwide development and acquisitions.

Lyle moved to the US in 2001 as head of FremantleMedia North America where he helped launch American Idol on Fox. He most recently served as president of Pact US, an advocacy org for unscripted TV producers.

The successful David Lyle Foundation candidates, who will be chosen from submissions by a board of advisors, will receive a scholarship that includes an annual program to connect them with the global business. Support will be provided to travel to industry events, where they can network and build contacts and learn about the varied opportunities within the content industry.

Applications will open for the 2019 David Lyle Foundation Scholarship between June and August, and will be assessed during September and October. The scholarships will be granted in November, with the first full program to run between January and December in 2020.

Full plans for the initiative will be announced next month.

Janne Dennehy, David Lyle’s wife, said: “David would be thrilled to see the level of support that these fine organisations have given to the foundation that aims to continue on the Lyle tradition of mentorship in the global TV industry, to provide encouragement and opportunity to the young who demonstrate curiosity, who take initiative. To encourage and develop independent thinking, to maintain an adventurous outlook, to welcome and recognize success but to remain kind, inclusive and supportive of others post success. From my point of view, I appreciate the support these organizations have shown David personally and professionally in health and sickness, in life generally and now, sadly, in death. I am thankful that they are joining together to help keep his legacy alive.”

Founding partners include Realscreen, Broadcast, C21Media, EMC, FRAPA, NATPE, NPact, Pact, Reed Midem and TBI. Additional partners will be announced in due course.